Be in the moment — enjoy good times outside with family and friends. But don’t forget to plan for home repair/remodel/refresh/maintenance projects.
1. Transition Zone
That’s what a mudroom can be. Keep family and guests from tracking dirt throughout your home. Muddy, wet or dusty outerwear, boots, shoes and sports gear can be hung on hooks; boxes or cubbies keep clothes, footwear and sports gear organized. Our team can help with the installation or can custom design a mudroom that fits all your needs — tell us what you’d like to see!
2. Summer on the Porch, Simmer on the Deck
While sitting on the front porch enjoying your summer maybe you noticed a loose post. Perhaps you found a soft spot on your deck or discovered a loose stair railing that needs repair or replacement. Keeping decks, porches and stairs in good shape is not only about how your home looks but also the safety of your family and guests. It’s a big part of summer projects for us. Schedule a deck, porch or stair repair or refresh
3. Avoid a Critter Crisis
Sure, raccoons look like cute, furry bandits. But you don’t want them in your house! In our area, animals seek a cozy, warm place in fall to nest for the winter. Raccoons, bats, squirrels, birds, mice and everyone’s favorite, skunks, can fit through spaces that make it easy for them to come and go from your home undetected. You may not even notice any access point from the outside. Check for gaps or holes around where utilities, pipes or other penetrations into your foundation or siding exist. Take pictures and bring them to your local neighborhood hardware store and they can help you with solutions. Or contact us — we would be happy to get your home sealed for the season.
4. Plan for the Worst … Then Enjoy Your Life
Do you have a contact list in case of emergency? Your emergency contact is the first person healthcare providers and emergency services will contact if you’re in a medical or mental health crisis. Provide your primary contact (and a secondary contact) with your medical history (including current medical conditions, medications, previous surgeries and hospitalizations), organ donor status, blood type, allergies, advance healthcare directive, living will, and who should care for your dependents or pets if you’re unable to do so. Distribute digital versions and keep a hard copy available for neighbors, guests and any emergency personnel who may need it.
5. No Ladder Required
Inspect your roof the safe way (without a ladder). Before spending big money to replace your roof, consult with Get Dwell. Most people are surprised that most of the roof work we do is repair projects as opposed to entire replacements. We can even give you a bird’s-eye view with a drone assessment so you can clearly see what your roof looks like and what issues, if any, you should be concerned with. Schedule a drone roof assessment
6. Stop the Squeak!
Door, gate and cabinet hinges all take a lot of abuse, especially in summer months when people are in and out, in and out! Take a video of any squeaky hinge or problem door, gate or cabinet issues and your local neighborhood hardware store will get you the products and supplies you need. If you would like professional help, schedule one of our Project Managers today.
7. Don’t Ignore Moisture
If you live in an older home, a warm, humid day is the right time to investigate your basement and crawlspace for moisture issues. If your basement smells musty on sticky days, it may be a sign of an ongoing moisture issue that might be causing mold and mildew. If you would like a professional to help determine the best next steps for eliminating moisture in your basement, schedule an appointment.
8. Sun Block
Enhance your outdoor spaces with a shade canopy or structure such as a pergola or awning to block the full force of the sun. Providing shade can add many more hours of outdoor enjoyment to the summer hours spent on decks and patios and in yards. If you have your own ideas, or would like some of ours, we’d be happy to help. Let’s brainstorm!
9. Bella Bocce
Create a bocce (lawn bowling) court in your yard. You can buy a bocce ball set from your local hardware store. The history of the game goes back 7,000 years to ancient Egypt and the present game traces its roots back to ancient Italy. Bocce can be played by young and old, making it a great backyard family activity in summer. Reach out to us for ideas
10. Looking Ahead
August is the time to gather estimates and schedule projects that need to be done before the weather turns rough. Exterior painting, sealing and touch-ups are always the last of the good weather projects that fail to get done every year because of the onset of cold weather. If you’re the type who likes to check everything off your to-do list, now’s the time to get your projects organized and on the calendar. Schedule a consultation
Need help? Get Dwell is here for you!